Population dynamics and parasitism rate of leafhopper species (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae) in maize (Zea mays L.) crop

Abstract

Maize is an important crop in Turkey that is infested by various leafhopper species during the whole season. Monitoring population dynamics and parasitism rate of these species would help to devise effective management practices. This study determined population dynamics of four leafhopper species, i.e., Zyginidia sohrab Zachvatkin, 1947, Empoasca decipiens Paoli, 1930 and Psammotettix striatus (Linnaeus, 1758) in second maize crop. Similarly, population dynamics and parasitism rate of egg parasitoid (Anagrus atomus) of these leafhopper species was also studied through July to November 2018 in Akçakale, Harran and Haliliye districts of Şanlıurfa province, Turkey. Population density of all species significantly varied among studied districts with the highest density of A. atomus recorded on 7 September with 30 adults/trap in Haliliye district. The parasitism rate on Z. sohrab eggs was 78% in Akçakale, 82% in Harran and 63% in Haliliye district. It was followed by E. decipiens with 18% in Akçakale, 14% in Harran and 32% in Haliliye. The highest population density of Z. sohrab was recorded on 21 September in Akçakale (4328 adults/trap), Harran (3920 adults/trap) and Haliliye (4592 adults/trap). Similarly, E. decipiens had the highest (1216 adults/trap) population density on 10 August in Harran, 12 October (368 adult/trap) in Akçakale and 17 August (2184 adults/trap) in Haliliye. Population dynamics of leafhoppers and their egg parasitoid coincided with each other. The parasitism rate was lower than other provinces in Turkey which is owed to high pesticide use in Şanlıurfa province. Therefore, chemical control should be decided by considering population development of beneficial insect species.